American Flyer

[ken]

I did a search for American Flyer, nothing showed up. Anybody have any info. on this company? Thanks in advance

 

[flyer172r]

Save your money, go somewhere else. I did my private there, can't tell you how many times I found myself with an instructor I'd never met before who had no idea how far I had come with my training. PM me if you want more details.

 

[Way2Broke]

Just like Comair (Delta Connection Academy). Your paying for their MARKETING department, not the training.

 

[NW_Pilot]

I wonder how much they pay their web master and with all the video's they have on ther their bandwith bills must be insane.

 

[Thedude]

Just like Comair (Delta Connection Academy). Your paying for their MARKETING department, not the training.

I can guarntee you that money doesn't go to the instructors.

 

[ken]

Thank you all for the "heads-up".

 

[siucavflight]

Best advice you can get. Stop in check them out for yourself and then make up your own mind.

 

[pilotmiketx]

Whatever they tell you, it'll cost twice as much and take twice as long. A former student of mine just did their CFI program.

 

[Metro752]

American Flyers sucks @ DPA & PWK

 

[CougarAviator]

Whatever they tell you, it'll cost twice as much and take twice as long. A former student of mine just did their CFI program.

That's not true. You go in there expecting them to hand you a sign-off it ain't gonna happen. You come in prepared, and things will move that much sooner. You cannot do your studying while the CFI is trying to teach you....THAT is how you waste money.....

I did my CFI-A and CFI-I at American Flyers DWH, and it was the best training I had ever received.........

Of course, I cannot speak for the other locations......

 

[Alin10123]

I guess it depends on the location. After doing an intro flight at my original flight school i was siked and wanted to get started at least in the air ASAP. But everyone at my flight school was out. I wanted to at least get into the air that day so i visited American Flyer flight school right across the hall. I met a nice CFI who said he would take me up for an hour. He actually taught quite well. He answered all of my questions and said things to boost my confidence. I will admit though, they are a little more expensive than my smaller flight school. But that's just becuase the aircraft was alittle larger. It had 2 rows and a luggage compartment as opposed to my 2 seater i usually fly. So i guess that will cover the extra fuel that it burns. But other than that, the school seems to be very organized with their very detailed syllabus and stuff. They also have a good ground school that if think you are having troble with the written test, you can go to it. It's a few hours, talks about practically everything, then they guarantee you will pass. If not, they will let you retake the class. It's not that expensive either.

Of course...just like Cougar Aviator, i cannot speak for other locations either. I was at the one at PDK.

 

[AAflyer]

That's not true. You go in there expecting them to hand you a sign-off it ain't gonna happen. You come in prepared, and things will move that much sooner. You cannot do your studying while the CFI is trying to teach you....THAT is how you waste money.....

I did my CFI-A and CFI-I at American Flyers DWH, and it was the best training I had ever received.........

Of course, I cannot speak for the other locations......

I agree,

I did mine years ago in FLL. The instructor was excellent. The training program was extensive. It was imperative to be prepared in advance and study hard during the 30 day program. The materials were above average as well.

AA

Check out the facility near you and talk with the students there!

 

[CougarAviator]

I did a search for American Flyer, nothing showed up. Anybody have any info. on this company? Thanks in advance

Also, Ken, the website for American Flyers is:

www.americanflyers.net....

 

[Slim]

American Flyers is expensive. They also do their maintenance in-house at most, if not, all their locations. Meeting Part 141 certification requirements also incurs some additional expense.

I got my CFII at ADS, then taught at ADS and FTW. The training was first rate, but that was more than 10 years ago.

That said, if you decide to train with American Flyers, do not...DO NOT...pay your money up front. That's an interest-free loan to them. If you can set money aside in a seperate account and pay as you fly, do so.

I paid up front, and completed my checkride with $700 left on account. It took almost a year to get that money back. They don't know how close I was to getting an attorney involved.

 

[ken]

Thanks eveybody. I would prefer to go the local FBO route, but getting a loan for that is hard.
I will not allow money I borrow, go to another flight school again, and be responsible for their actions and the banks ( such as, if they go bankrupt ).
I learned the hard way from Airline Training Academy.

 

[CougarAviator]

Good luck to ya, Ken!!!!

 

[ken]

Thanks Cougar, I need it. And thanks to everybody else for your input.

 

[FDAFCFI]

I agree with most of the wisened, high time guys who have posted here. Combining the places where you get your licenses would be my suggestion. I got my CFI/CFII at American Flyers and passed in 28 days and $600 under what I was quoted. They told me the day we started the total cost and I finished under that but that's perhaps due to my study habits or lack of expectation, I don't know.

 

[jagmagic]

I instructed for American Flyers for two years at the ISP office and they are a first class group. I will admitt they are alittle more money then the mom and pop schools but they get the job done and they do it right. I would go to a 141 school any day of the week and pay more then go to a part 61 school and have a deal with the FAA.

 

[TheGreatChecko]

Did the CFI/CFII at Flyers in PMP (Pompano Beach, FL, Fort Lauderdale Area). I found the program to be well worth it and the training top notch. Like everything, its what you put into the class that matters. Assuming you put in some effort, you will leave there a confident CFI that knows how to properly teach.

Greatchecko

 

[flatspin7]

I too can Highly recommed the CFI/CFII academy I was done in 2 months (at the MMU office) with both but 3 weeks of that was waiting on the TEB FSDO to get me a checkride.

I taught there after and we were good at finishing people up... we seemed to get a lot of the students who were half way done with a rating and wanted to finish it quickly... a lot of people would come in and stay at a hotel for a week and pound out their ratings.

If you had zero time I might steer you towards elsewhere due to the cost, but the CFI programs and thier ability to "finish you up" were pretty good.

 

[SennaP1]

Did mine at the DPA "office" back when a fellow named Gene was there, everybody called him a used car salesman. He did have that kinda demeanor really..But I finished up just my CFI, got offered a job there as I was walking out the door.

Its a a good place if you have the right mind set. Do it and get out. (for me, at least thats what it was.)

-P1

 

[Oceana]

Did the CFI/CFII at Flyers in PMP (Pompano Beach, FL, Fort Lauderdale Area). I found the program to be well worth it and the training top notch. Like everything, its what you put into the class that matters. Assuming you put in some effort, you will leave there a confident CFI that knows how to properly teach.

~DITTO!

 

[Metro752]

- The Previous Post paid for by other suckers who went to American Flyers.

 

[FlyingFisherman]

I finished up my Instrument rating Jan '04 at BKL. My jack handy deep thought on that... "It was a very expensive weekend."

I just couldn't knock out my friggin checkride. 3 weeks went by where the examiner, instructor or weather didn't cooperate. Kicked the dirt and drove north for a few day vacation to Cleveland in the winter (HA!)

I kept their price sheet but can't find it. I remember their rental rates for a 172R being around $150/hr + lots for the instructor. They had a BE-76 listed for rent at I think $299/hr. Ouch! (Jan 2004 dollars)


On the other hand when the time came to knock out my CFIs I was short on cash and my only income was the band I was playing in and various piloting gigs like flying jumpers.

Took a two week trip to sunny Las Vegas in February. Round trip airfare was $215. Sallie Mae provided some money and I walked away with a new airman certificate. I challenge anyone else to go to Vegas for two weeks and only lose $6000! :beer:

Training is all what you make of it. If you put your time in outside the 'environment' and actually learn it will be a breeze. If you want everything handed to you...they do that but it costs lots of money.

 

[pgcfii2002]

A co-worker of mine did his CFI and CFII there, the 30 day program. I think it took about 6 weeks, got his ride right away.

 

[CA1900]

A close friend of mine did his initial CFI-A at the Pompano Beach location, and was thoroughly disappointed with the place. He said they milked him like a cow at every opportunity, and he'd never recommend the place to his worst enemy.

I think it definitely depends on the location. Several of my co-workers attended or worked for the Islip, NY, location, and seemed very positive about the place. But I'd steer clear of PMP.

 

[Kittyhawk]

I also attended AF CFI Academy. I was there last year in Addison. I thought they did a tremendous job. I felt that the price was fair. I attended another flight school and compared prices, AF was a little more expensive. However, I talked to most people at my school and they ended up paying more in the long run. Because it took them longer to get done; weather, scheduling conflicts with other students, etc... AF is determined to get you through your CFI & CFII in 30 days. I would totally recommend this. I started my training the same time a buddy of mine did, I went to AF and he went to "the other flight school" and it took him a month and a half longer. No joke. I must add he to was very self motivated as well. The only thing he could not leave home for 30 days. When I got back he wished we would have went there after all.

 

[siucavflight]

A close friend of mine did his initial CFI-A at the Pompano Beach location, and was thoroughly disappointed with the place. He said they milked him like a cow at every opportunity, and he'd never recommend the place to his worst enemy.

I think it definitely depends on the location. Several of my co-workers attended or worked for the Islip, NY, location, and seemed very positive about the place. But I'd steer clear of PMP.

If he wouldnt recommend it to his worst enemy does that mean he liked it?

 

[xshuttlefa]

Anyone have any input on the Cleveland American Flyers? I see from other posts that experiences vary from location to location, anyone go to the Cleveland location or know of someone who has?